WASHINGTON, DC (October 1, 2008) – Altarum Institute, a nonprofit health systems research and consulting organization, has launched its own “blog” dedicated to discussion and debate on health care issues. Called the “Altarum Institute Online Health Policy Forum,” the blog will feature work from both Altarum Institute experts and guest writers and will allow readers to comment on postings.
“The Health Policy Forum is one important way for us to engage multiple communities in thoughtful conversation about the direction of health and health care in America,” said Lincoln Smith, President and CEO of Altarum Institute. “Informing the public debate on these critical policy issues is core to our charter as a nonprofit institution.”
The blog will expand its capabilities with the launch of the new Altarum Institute web site, set to go live at the end of 2008. With the new site, the Health Policy Forum will offer more dynamic commenting capability for readers. It will also allow subscribers to share content through the use of social book marking and to be alerted to new blog postings through RSS feeds.
“Real transformation in how we deliver care and promote health in our nation starts with the free-flow of ideas and vigorous debate,” said Smith. “Blogs transcend the traditional news media and policy journals and can stimulate conversation in a way few other mediums can.”
To read the Altarum Institute Online Health Policy Forum and join the debate, visit www.altarum.org and click on “Publications.”
Altarum Institute (www.altarum.org) is a nonprofit, health systems research organization. Altarum integrates objective research and client-centered consulting skills to develop comprehensive, systems-based solutions to improve our nation’s health. Altarum Institute employs more than 250 individuals and is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan with additional offices in the Washington, DC area; Atlanta, Georgia; Portland, Maine; and San Antonio, Texas.

